Ownership was immediately transferred to the Game Commission for permanent conservation and management that supports wildlife habitat and wildlife focused recreation.
“We’re excited that our hard work with partners, community leaders, and neighbors resulted in the successful completion of this effort,” said Emilie Rzotkiewicz, Interim CEO of the Allegheny Land Trust. “Now this land, including one mile of the Rachel Caron Trail, will be protected for the benefit of generations to come.”
The Deer Creek Conservation Project now expands Emmerling Community Park to create 325-acre greenway.
Through its permanent conservation, this land will conserve the quality of the Deer Creek – a Fish & Boat Commission stocked waterway – by continuing to absorb 231.12 million gallons of rainwater annually and will ensure maintained air quality by annually sequestering 1.13 million pounds of carbon and removing 20,000 pounds of other pollutants.
“In developed areas, where there often is decreasing wildlife habitat and growing numbers of people, conserving lands for wildlife and providing opportunities for the public to get out and enjoy it, both are critically important,” said Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Game Commission. “As a state game lands, the Deer Creek Conservation Project will be perpetually protected, checking both these boxes.”
The project received letters of support from state Senator Lindsey M. Williams, Rep. Mandy Steele, Indiana Township and the Rachel Carson Trail Conservancy.
More than 180 community members helped raise awareness and funds to match state level grants.
The Game Commission bolstered the project with a letter of support and a commitment letter to provide funding and assume ownership and stewardship once ALT completed the acquisition process.
“The RCTC has worked for years to find a way to protect this beautiful tract and is grateful to the ALT, the PGC, DCNR and the hiking community for this wonderful achievement. The Rachel Carson Trail was opened exactly 50 years ago and we’re looking forward to working with the PGC to ensure the trail continues to be a valuable regional asset for many decades to come,” said Steve Mentzer, RCTC vice president.
The Game Commission's survey crew will begin marking the boundaries and develop parking areas to allow for better public access to the property.
Click Here for the ALT announcement.
For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming educational programs and other events, visit the Allegheny Land Trust website. Click Here to read the Trust’s most recent newsletter. Click Here to add your email to their mailing list. Click Here to support their work.
Related Articles:
-- Allegheny Land Trust, Cannon Design Releases Plans For New Mobile Learning Lab [PaEN]-- PA Recreation & Park Society: People, Parks & Community Foundation Now Accepting Applications For Grants To Improve Recreation, Community And Organizational Development [PaEN]
[Posted: April 22, 2025] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment